ELELE: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for completing the 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway, describing the project as a major infrastructure investment capable of stimulating economic growth across the state.
Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Thursday during the official inauguration of the road, which connects communities across three local government areas in Rivers State.
Shettima conveyed the President’s appreciation to the Rivers State Government and residents, saying the completion of the road would open up new opportunities for economic activities and development along the corridor.
According to him, the project reflects the importance of infrastructure to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to improving security, economic opportunities and the welfare of Nigerians. Mr President shares your satisfaction with the completion of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway and the possibilities it opens along this corridor,” Shettima said.
He commended Fubara for committing public resources to the project and ensuring its completion.
The Vice-President noted that the road would have a direct impact on farmers, traders, businesses, workers and travellers by improving transportation and reducing the cost of moving goods and people.
He said farmers would be able to transport agricultural produce to markets more quickly, while traders and businesses would gain easier access to larger markets.
Shettima also emphasised the importance of continuity in governance, saying major infrastructure projects often require successive administrations to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors.
He described roads as among the most important and democratic instruments of development because their benefits extend across different sectors and social groups. They serve the farmer carrying produce to the market; the trader seeking customers; the worker travelling to work; the student going to school; and the patient seeking medical care. When the road works, society works, he said.
The Vice-President urged residents of communities along the corridor to protect the newly completed road against vandalism, reckless driving and other activities capable of shortening its lifespan.
He congratulated the benefiting communities, stressing that the project demonstrated what could be achieved when governments maintain continuity in public infrastructure development.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Fubara described the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway as a landmark project that would improve security, stimulate economic activity and reconnect communities across three local government areas.
The governor said the road had transformed a corridor previously associated with insecurity and difficult transportation.
He noted that the project included a river-crossing bridge as well as street lighting along the entire route, features he said would improve mobility while supporting security agencies in carrying out their duties.
Fubara said the infrastructure was more than a road project, describing it as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of residents. It is not just a project; it is a statement that we have made to show our people in the three local government areas, the benefiting communities close to this project, that we care for you and your concerns are our concern, he said.
The governor added that completing the project fulfilled a commitment made to the people of Rivers State. A promise made is a promise fulfilled, Fubara declared.
The 33.5km Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway is expected to improve connectivity between communities, reduce travel time and lower transportation and logistics costs.
Beyond transportation, the project could support agricultural production, trade, commerce and investment by making it easier for people and goods to move across the affected communities.
The completion also comes at a time when infrastructure development remains central to efforts to unlock the economic potential of Rivers State and improve access to communities across the state.
With the Federal Government commending the project and the Rivers State Government highlighting its security and economic benefits, the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku road is expected to become an important transportation corridor for residents, businesses and farmers in the region.
